Slidable Mounting System for Solar Modules

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells a plurality of photovoltaic modules; at least a first type of mounting bracket in contact with the module; at least a second type of mounting bracket, wherein the brackets are configured to interlock and connect multiple modules together.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 969,642 filed Sep. 2, 2007, fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more specifically, to solar cells and / or solar cell modules designed for rapid mounting and installation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Solar cells and solar cell modules convert sunlight into electricity. Traditional solar cell modules are typically comprised of polycrystalline and / or monocrystalline silicon solar cells mounted on a support with a rigid glass top layer to provide environmental and structural protection to the underlying silicon based cells. This package is then typically mounted in a rigid aluminum or metal frame that supports the glass and provides attachment points for securing the solar module to the installation site. A host of other materials are also included to make t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Although not limited to the following, the embodiments of the present invention provides a rapid mounting system wherein the modules may have pre-mounted structure that slidably engage a support member attached to the support surface or the ground. The structure may be a bracket or some molded or shaped portion of the module (intregrally formed with the module or added separately). Slidable engagement allows for reduced mounting time. Using clips, rapid release clamps or the like may also speed installation. In some embodiments, these modules may be used as building integrated material and replace items such as roofing tiles or windows, or other building materials. Optionally, the modules do not replace building materials but are used in conjunction with or over such building materials.

Problems solved by technology

Drawbacks associated with traditional solar module package designs, however, have limited the ability to install large numbers of solar panels in a cost-effective manner.

Traditional solar module packaging comes with a great deal of redundancy and excess equipment cost.

These traditional module designs inherit a large number of legacy parts that hamper the ability of installers to rapidly and cost-efficiently deploy solar modules at a large scale.

In addition to the redundancy of equipment, the types of module mounting brackets used to secure the modules to ground or roof supports increases the time and difficulty associated with module installation.

Although subsidies and incentives have created some large solar-based electric power installations, the potential for greater numbers of these large solar-based electric power installations has not been fully realized.

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